Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
Hardy's Cottage
Evocative cob and thatch cottage - birthplace of Thomas Hardy
Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QJ
Book a visit
Opening times for 21 July 2025
Asset Opening time Cottage Closed Book a visitLast entry one hour before closing.
MTWTFSS3012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123OpenPartially openClosed2025
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £12.10 £11.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £6.10 £5.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £30.30 £27.50 1 adult, 3 children £18.20 £16.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Assistance dogs only
- Guided tour
The most accessible walking route to reach Hardy’s Cottage is via the bridlepath running behind the visitor centre. The bridlepath is unsurfaced and can be muddy and uneven. Accessible parking is available behind the cottage for visitors, please phone on the day of your visit to book an accessible parking space (01305 262366). Trampers (all-terrain mobility scooters) are available to hire from the visitor centre. There is no charge, but users must be members of Countryside Mobility. Please ring 01305 251228 to book a Tramper. Virtual Tour laptops and a Braille guide are available at Hardy's Cottage upon request.
- Designated parking
- Narrow corridors
- Seating available
- Steps/uneven terrain
- Virtual tour
- By road
Type in 'Thorncombe Wood Car Park' into Sat Nav. A35, from Dorchester and the west: From the A35, at the Kingston Maurward roundabout take the exit signposted Kingston Maurward and Higher Bockhampton. Follow the road to the next crossroads and turn left (there is a small sign for Hardy's Cottage). Look out for a pair of cottages and a red letter box on your right, and turn right into the lane. Follow the lane round to the right and into the Thorncombe Wood Dorset Council car park. A35, from the east: From the A35, take the exit signposted Higher Bockhampton onto Cuckoo Lane. After half a mile, turn left towards Hardy's Cottage. Follow the lane round to the right and into the Thorncombe Wood Dorset Council car park. Please allow 15 to 20 minutes to walk from the car park to the cottage.
Parking: Car park owned by Dorset Council; Charges apply. Please note: There is limited accessible parking by prior arrangement only. Call 01305 262366 or email hardyscottage@nationaltrust.org.uk to arrange.
- By train
Dorchester South 4 miles; Dorchester West 4 miles
- Cycling
Follow NCN Route 2 out of Dorchester, heading East. Take left turn, off NCN Route 2, towards Lower Bockhampton (follow white finger posts). Continue through Lower Bockhampton, and straight over crossroads, following white fingerposts to Higher Bockhampton and Hardy's Cottage. Turn right, following fingerposts to Hardy's Cottage and Higher Bockhampton. As you come down the hill, you will see the Visitor Centre straight ahead of you. There are cycle racks available at the Visitor Centre.
- From the Car Park
The cottage is a 15-20 minute walk from the car park, either along a bridle path or through the woodland. Bridlepath: From the car park, walk back up the lane and turn right along the gravel bridlepath. The cottage is at the end of the path, on the right hand side. Woodland: A more tranquil approach, but steep and uneven in places. Follow the path up the slope to the left and turn left at the first branch of the path, signposted 'Hardy's Cottage' on a wooden waymarker. It is not necessary to visit the visitor centre before visiting the cottage but you may wish to use facilities and pick up a leaflet with a map.
Planning your visit
Article
Walk with us: guided walks in Dorset
This year we've got a packed programme of walks exploring Dorchester, Bridport, the Golden Cap Estate, Lyme Legis and beyond. If you want to get out and explore, this is for you.
Highlights
The cottage
Evocative cob and thatch cottage, which was the birthplace of author Thomas Hardy in 1840 and was built by his great-grandfather. The house is where Hardy wrote his early works, including 'Under the Greenwood Tree' and 'Far from the Madding Crowd'.
The garden
Take a stroll through the traditional cottage garden and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and scents of the season. Amble through the orchard where we have several old local varieties of apples growing including dessert apples and cider making apples.
Tours
Our team of expert volunteers deliver guided tours at Hardy's Cottage, sharing stories so you can discover more about this special place.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Hardy’s Cottage
Explore the simple thatched cottage where Thomas Hardy was born and raised, and the surrounding woodland landscape that greatly influenced his work.
Article
The garden at Hardy's Cottage
Wander through the traditional cottage garden that was an early inspiration for the celebrated writer, Thomas Hardy. You’ll be greeted by the sound of birdsong and a garden that is beautiful all year long.
Eating
Article
Eating and drinking at Hardy's Cottage
Visit the dog-friendly café at Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre, an independent family-run business that prides itself on using local produce for its varied menu.
Places to stay
Portland House
Get a spectacular taste of 1930’s glamour in this stunning Art-Deco, Hollywood -Spanish inspired style villa on the Dorset coast.
Chesil Cottage
A quiet coastal getaway awaits at this seaside cottage set on a farm, with stunning sea views over Chesil beach.
Downhouse Farm Cottage
A rural retreat with far-reaching views over the Dorset countryside.
Vineyard Farm Cottage
Sitting just below Corfe Castle, this thatched cottage has a view of the thousand-year-old ruins from its terrace.
Upcoming events
Event
Thomas Hardy Walk - Hardy's Cottage to Max Gate (return)
Join us on a free guided walk from Thomas Hardy's birthplace to Max Gate, the house Hardy designed, built and lived in until he died.
Event
Hardy literary landscape walk
Follow in the footsteps of Hardy's childhood in this guided walk through Thorncombe Wood and Rainbarrows.
Event
Autumn flowers in Hardy's Homes
Visit Hardy's Homes to celebrate the arrival of autumn with both houses filled with floral displays.
Event
Apple pressing
The apples in Hardy’s orchard will be ripe and ready for harvesting. Come and meet the gardeners who will be pressing the apples to make delicious apple juice.
About Hardy's Cottage
Few authors have such strong associations with the natural and cultural heritage of their local area as Thomas Hardy. This cottage, where Hardy was born in 1840, was built of cob and thatch by his great-grandfather.
Despite training as an architect, writing was Hardy's first love, and it was from here that he wrote several of his early short stories, poetry and novels including 'Under the Greenwood Tree' and 'Far from the Madding Crowd'.
The garden reflects most people's idea of a typical cottage garden, with roses around the door, and the sound of birdsong. Once inside you will discover, with its open hearths, small windows and stone floors.
The cottage sits next to Thorncombe Wood, owned and managed by Dorset Council. This is an ancient woodland and nature reserve that opens out onto heathland and the beginning of Hardy's Egdon Heath. Next to the Thorncombe Wood car park (ANPR system run by Dorset Council) you will find the Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Hardy's Cottage.